John Mann IV: NY man pleads guilty to binding and killing Henry Hernandez, 16, who stole his dad's truck
Warning: This content contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers' discretion is advised.
SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK: A 20-year-old man John Mann pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter of Henry Hernandez, 16, of Hempstead on Monday, March 20. Mann pleaded guilty to a crime that happened in 2019, as he allegedly committed the crime.
The 20-year-old beat and killed the 16-year-old boy in 2019. However, Mann then covered the body with debris in a sandpit and then wrapped the remains in two plastic bags. Hernandez’s remains were found in Centereach in March 2020, as per Fox News.
READ MORE
Best friend's boyfriend arrested for murder of Bronx woman whose remains were dumped in NYC parks
How did the investigation unveil?
The police started doubting Mann when the investigators found a plastic tube on the property of the suspect’s neighbor’s property. On the inside of the tube, there were skeletal remains wrapped in two separate plastic bags. They later found duct tape was used to bind the hands and feet and wrap the head and mouth. DNA tests were also performed on the samples obtained from the bag, and it was found to be linked to Hernandez. The duo became acquaintances in March 2019. After which, the 16-year-old apparently stole Mann’s father’s truck from his home on Jay Road in Centereach. This act agitated Mann because of which he eventually lured Hernandez on June 2, 2019, to a place called "Sand Pit". Once he reached the location, Mann allegedly duct-taped the victim and struck him multiple times with an object. Then, he put the body in a hole and covered it with debris. Hernandez's body was recovered in March 2020. He is expected to be sentenced on April 19 and may face upto 20 years in prison as well as five years of supervision after the prison release.
What is the comment from the attorney?
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A Tierney stated, "The violent end of this young victim’s life and the way his body was disposed of shows the cold-hearted and brutal nature of the defendant." Tierney continued, "What makes this murder even more sad is that the victim, Henry, was only 16 years old and had his whole life ahead of him." He further added, “This was a horrific and brutal crime committed for no rational reason but what is just as disturbing is that the defendant was 16 years-old when he allegedly committed this callous act”. Tierney also added, “We will make sure that the victim gets justice and that this defendant gets to account for his alleged actions.”
